UWM librarians are stepping up to help students and faculty navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence tools for research. By educating themselves on AI’s potential and limitations, they are creating resources and training aimed at responsible usage. Their initiative includes workshops, one-on-one consultations, and a forthcoming curriculum centered around AI ethics in academic writing, ensuring a foundation for responsible technology use.
In the vast chaos of the internet, where information flows like a never-ending river, retrieving the right facts can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. This is where generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools step also into the picture, helping students and researchers tackle this overwhelming data. Yet, with tools like ChatGPT still figuring themselves out, figuring out how to use them responsibly is a challenge for students and teachers alike. Enter the librarians at UWM, or, as Kate Ganski, the associate director of user services at UWM Libraries, puts it, “When campus is looking for guidance around information and information use, they’re looking to us in the library.”
As AI gains traction, the user services librarians at UWM are diving into this tech, learning how to leverage its potential while also uncovering its limits. They’ve drawn up a roadmap for students and faculty keen on integrating AI tools into their research. Through resources and intimate workshops, the library is setting up the framework for responsible academic use of AI, preparing to assist with well-researched knowledge when needed. “We really feel like it’s critical that we’re actively engaged in this space so that when folks come to us for assistance, we’re ready and able to be there for them,” Ganski added.
Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in 2022, UWM librarians have watched students and faculty explore this new frontier with curiosity. Initially, Ganski saw it as little more than a novelty. But as stories emerged about its practical uses, she realized it could be quite significant. “There were just these stories that it was actually helpful,” she noted, explaining how the tool grew from a whimsical gadget to something potentially beneficial for academic work.
Instructional design librarian Heidi Anoszko saw an echo of the past, recalling chatbots from her college days, which were largely entertainment. “When people were starting to use it practically… that’s when it started to really sink in that this is actually something that we’re going to need to contend with in the long term,” Anoszko commented, recognizing the shift in applications of AI technologies.
In early 2023, Ganski and her colleagues began a serious conversation on how AI impacts the information landscape. She hosted a brown bag session, sharing insights and podcasts on the technology’s implications. This readiness to learn prepared the librarians to help students—because information literacy goes well beyond just books, as Ganski pointed out. “Most of us in user services can go a whole week without touching books.”
The library’s user services team emphasizes personal engagement, offering support via a research help desk and in-depth consultations. They’re also crafting programs that train students in using AI responsibly in their projects. Soon, Ganski and Anoszko will lead a class for faculty and grad students on using AI effectively in their research endeavors. There’s a digital guide available to make these insights accessible at any time.
The approach to managing this emerging tech balances the excitement of what AI can do with a critical eye. This means understanding what data is generated, recognizing biases, and asking tough questions about accuracy—because there remains a learning curve to adapt to technological advancements. “The goal of information literacy is… how to weather those changes,” Anoszko explains, reiterating the constant need for students and instructors to discern quality information.
The librarians see themselves as the “curiosity coaches” on campus. Students and faculty are eager for guidance, not looking to misuse AI but to explore its potential. The teaching and learning team aims to introduce AI-centered instruction in writing programs starting in 2025, promoting ethical usage while blending traditional info literacy.
AI in academia surely has its ups and downs. The crux of the matter, according to the librarians, is about how it’s utilized, and the need for knowledgeable guides is ever-present. To navigate these changes effectively, curiosity must thrive. Anoszko asserts, “To remain critical and curious – and that is the library’s bread and butter.” That’s the essence of what they provide — guidance, support, and a pathway to navigate this brave new world of information.
As librarians at UWM adapt to the growing role of AI in academic settings, they balance the promise of these tools with the crucial need for responsible use. Their commitment to information literacy prepares students and faculty to navigate AI’s complexities ethically. Looking ahead, they are positioned to guide future learners and professionals through ongoing technological changes and ensure that curiosity remains at the forefront of academic exploration.
Original Source: uwm.edu
